Manchester

About Manchester

Population

502,900 in city2,482,352 in metro

Size

115 km² (44 mi²)

Altitude

35 m

Manchester is the regional capital of the North West of England. It often lays claim to being the 'second city' of the United Kingdom by virtue of its history, economy and cultural presence, and lies at the heart of one of the UK's largest conurbations.
The city of Manchester dates back to Roman times, when there was a fort at Mamuciam (now known as Castlefield). This was abandoned in 410AD when the Romans withdrew from England, and by the Norman Conquest in 1066, 'Mameceaster' remained a small hamlet owned by Salford. The name 'Manchester' did not come into popular usage until the 17th Century, by which time the city had already established a name for itself in the textile industry.
Manchester is perhaps best known for being the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution, which turned Britain into the world's first industrialised nation. Today, however, Manchester is better known for being a centre of culture. Its nightlife is said to be unrivalled the world over, it is home to many fine museums and art galleries, and it has an impressive sporting pedigree, being home to the world's largest sporting club; Manchester United FC. Manchester has few tall buildings, but the city's recent renaissance, spurred on by an IRA bomb that devastated the city centre, promises to add many new, exciting and possibly tall structures to the skyline.